Navigating the Indo-Pacific - India’s Strategic and Security Perspectives Amidst China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

Since the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China's geostrategic and economic environment has undergone significant changes globally, particularly in South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. With this developing project of connectivity, at the centre of which stands India, the latter sees the BRI with increased strategic suspicion and tactical awareness, as well as the possible latent opportunities which it contains. In this research article, the international security and strategic thinking of India is examined regarding the BRI, especially regarding its maritime connections, trade passage, and Indo-Pacific security landscape. The purpose is to critically review the strategic imperative of the growth of BRI not only via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but also by the growing Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the opportunities available to India to generate a geopolitical and economic benefit.